5.2.1 Above- and belowground biomass

Emission and removals relating to REDD+ activities result from changes in carbon pools. In most circumstances above- and belowground biomass pools are likely to be key carbon pools and methods are required to estimate changes in biomass carbon stocks.

The methods for calculating emissions and removals from each REDD+ activity described in Chapter 3, Section 3.1 require emission/removal factors related to estimates of biomass carbon density and change in carbon density within reported forest strata. For example, the gain-loss methods described in Chapter 3, Section 3.1 requires the following:

annual rates of change in biomass carbon density in modified natural forest sub-stratified as required by forest type and management regime or likelihood of disturbance

long-run average biomass carbon density and corresponding rates of change in planted forest sub-stratified as required by forest type and management regime or likelihood of disturbance.

(1)

See Chapter 2, Section 2.3.2. The stratification into primary forest, modified natural forest, and planted forest is consistent with the FAO’s Global Forest Resource Assessment. Countries may use other stratifications according to national circumstances, e.g. if there is an established national stratification or if the use of an alternative stratification will reduce the number of sub-strata required.